Driving instructors and motor mechanics make submissions to RSA

November 23rd: Unite members working as driving instructors and motor mechanics have made submissions to the Road Safety Authority’s public consultation on the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021 – 2030.

Commenting, Unite Regional Officer Jean O’Dowd said:

“Safer roads depend on highly trained drivers operating road-worthy vehicles. The experience and expertise of Unite members working as driving instructors and motor mechanics is central to improving both driver training and vehicle road-worthiness.

“In their submission to the RSA consultation, Unite’s Approved Driving Instructor branch has made proposals for improving governance and guidelines for learner drivers, as well as the quality of instruction, testing and training”.

Davy Kettyles is Unite Senior Regional Organiser, and added:

“Road worthiness issues are a factor in many collisions, and in their submission Unite’s Mechanic Branch has highlighted regulatory gaps and called for a legislative framework in line with best practice in the EU to govern training, qualifications, new technology and the provision of continued professional development. Ensuring that motor vehicle repairs are carried out to the highest possible standards will help protect all road users”.

Concluding, Jean O’Dowd said:

“Unite’s evaluation of the 2013-2020 strategy indicates that a number of targets and goals were not met.  Engagement with the workers tasked with training drivers and maintaining vehicles is critical to ensuring that the 2021-2030 strategy fulfils its promise and improves road safety for all users”, Ms O’Dowd concluded.